What is a Max Level Mega in Pokémon GO? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
At its core, a Max Level Mega in Pokémon GO represents the pinnacle of power and potential for a Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution. It’s the ultimate state you can achieve after repeatedly Mega Evolving a specific Pokémon, unlocking all available bonuses and maximizing their effectiveness during and after Mega Evolution. This isn’t just a cosmetic change; reaching Max Level for a Mega evolution offers significant gameplay advantages that dramatically impact your experience in raids, battles, and even daily gameplay within the game. In essence, a Max Level Mega has gone through its full evolutionary cycle, and the resulting boosted perks are completely activated.
Understanding Mega Levels and the Journey to Max
The Three Mega Levels
Every Pokémon that can Mega Evolve possesses three distinct Mega Levels: Base, High, and Max. Each level requires a specific number of Mega Evolutions of that Pokémon to reach, and each offers cumulative bonuses.
- Base Level: This is the starting point. You reach this level by Mega Evolving a Pokémon for the very first time.
- High Level: After reaching the Base Level, you need to Mega Evolve the same Pokémon an additional six times to progress to the High Level.
- Max Level: Finally, to reach the pinnacle, the Max Level, you need to perform a further 23 Mega Evolutions after achieving the High Level. This means a total of 30 mega evolutions to get a pokemon to max.
Reaching Max Level is a significant commitment, as it involves not only the required evolutions but also the investment of Mega Energy, making careful planning essential for optimizing your resources.
The Benefits of Reaching Max Level
The journey to a Max Level Mega is not just for bragging rights; it unlocks a series of benefits that make a considerable difference in your game:
- Increased Catch XP Bonus: When you Mega Evolve a Pokémon, it grants a bonus XP when catching Pokémon of the same type. This bonus is amplified as you reach higher Mega Levels. At Max Level, the XP boost is maximized, making level grinding much more efficient.
- Increased Candy Bonus: Similar to XP, Max Level Mega Pokémon increase the candy reward for catching Pokémon of the same type, allowing you to power up your Pokémon even more efficiently. This bonus is also maximized upon reaching Max level.
- Increased Candy XL Bonus: Obtaining Candy XL is vital for maxing out Pokémon. Mega evolving pokemon at max level can assist you with this by granting more candy XL when catching Pokémon that share the same type as your Mega Evolved Pokemon.
- Reduced Mega Energy Costs: One of the most compelling reasons to aim for Max Level is the reduction in Mega Energy costs. Reaching Max Level reduces the cost of subsequent Mega Evolutions, which is highly beneficial if you regularly mega evolve a particular Pokémon.
The benefits of a Max Level Mega aren’t just in the moment of Mega Evolution; they extend throughout the eight hours that your Pokémon remains in its Mega form. The bonuses you receive while hunting and battling help you gather more resources and level up faster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Max Level Mega Pokémon
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Mega Evolutions, specifically focusing on Max Levels, to provide you with a more complete understanding:
1. Can Shadow Pokémon Mega Evolve?
No, you cannot Mega Evolve Shadow or Clone Pokémon. This restriction is in place to maintain the unique nature of Shadow and Clone Pokémon. However, you can Mega Evolve purified Pokémon, although they lack the visual swirly aura when Mega Evolved.
2. Are Mega Evolutions permanent?
No, Mega Evolutions are not permanent. They typically last for eight hours after you Mega Evolve a Pokémon. After this period, the Pokémon reverts to its normal form. Keep this limitation in mind when planning when to Mega Evolve a pokemon.
3. Can Mega Evolved Pokémon defend Gyms?
No, you cannot use a Mega Evolved Pokémon to defend a gym. This is a game design choice to prevent Mega Evolutions from becoming overwhelming in gym battles. Mega Pokémon are purely an offensive boon.
4. Can Mega Pokémon be used in the GO Battle League?
Generally, Mega Evolved Pokémon cannot be used in the GO Battle League. However, there might be special exceptions during specific events, so always check the official announcements.
5. Does a Pokémon’s level affect Mega Evolution?
Yes, but not during the evolution itself. The stats of your Mega Evolved Pokémon are directly influenced by the stats of their normal form. It’s crucial to power up your Pokémon as much as possible before Mega Evolving. Mega-Evolved Pokémon cannot be powered up while in their Mega form.
6. Can Shiny Pokémon Mega Evolve?
Yes, multiple Shiny Pokémon can Mega Evolve, adding to their appeal and allowing you to show off your rare finds in their ultimate form.
7. Does Mega Level reset after the Mega Evolution ends?
No, the Mega Level does not reset when the Mega Evolution ends. The progress you make towards leveling up a Mega-Evolved Pokemon is permanent, so you can continue where you left off. The more often you Mega Evolve a specific Pokémon, the higher its Mega Level will become.
8. Do Mega Stones exist in Pokémon GO?
No, Mega Stones do not exist in Pokémon GO. Mega Evolution is achieved using Mega Energy, which is acquired through raids, research, or walking with certain buddies.
9. Can you trade a Mega Evolved Pokémon?
No, you cannot trade a Mega Evolved Pokémon. The Mega Evolution will always revert to its normal form before a trade.
10. Can you get Mega Energy by walking?
Yes, you can obtain Mega Energy by walking with your Buddy Pokémon, but only if you’ve previously Mega Evolved a Pokémon within your Buddy’s evolutionary line. This is a reliable method of getting small amounts of mega energy.
11. Can you “trick” a Mega Evolution?
No, you cannot “trick” a Mega Evolution. Mega Stones (in other versions of the game) cannot be removed or switched, and a Mega Evolved Pokemon cannot be changed. Similarly, in Pokemon Go, Mega Evolutions cannot be altered.
12. Is there a Mega Haxorus?
Yes, there is a Mega Haxorus, a Dragon-type Pokémon with a powerful Mega Evolution, obtained by using Haxorite, but not in Pokemon Go, however. Pokemon Go has yet to implement all available megas.
13. Is Mega Charizard X or Mega Charizard Y stronger?
Both Mega Charizard X and Y have similar base stats but differ in their type matchups and abilities. Mega Charizard Y has a higher max CP and attack stat, making it the preferred choice. While Y is a fire/flying type, X is fire/dragon, making each a good choice for different circumstances.
14. Can Mythical Pokémon Mega Evolve?
Most Mythical Pokémon cannot Mega Evolve, with one notable exception: Diancie. Diancie is the only Mythical Pokémon that has the ability to Mega Evolve.
15. Are Shiny Pokémon more powerful than regular Pokémon?
No, Shiny Pokémon are purely cosmetic. They do not have any inherent stat advantages or disadvantages over their non-shiny counterparts. They are simply more rare.
Conclusion
Reaching Max Level with a Mega Evolved Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a rewarding but demanding journey. It not only maximizes a Pokémon’s power during its Mega form but also provides long-term bonuses that can accelerate your progress. By understanding the mechanics of Mega Evolution and Mega Levels, you can utilize these powerful forms more effectively and enhance your overall gameplay experience.